PHILADELPHIA, Pa. (WLVT) — This week's PBS39 Culture Shock segment is honoring Juneteenth, which commemorates the end of slavery in America. Our featured artist is Philadelphia-based poet Lyrispect.
Learn More: Visit the African American Museum in Philadelphia's website
Since she was a kid, Lyrispect has used her pen to create spoken works-of-art.
"I've always believed that art is a great healing tool," Lyrispect told PBS39. "It’s a great form of expression that can ignite change. You may not like every poem you hear from me, it may make you feel uncomfortable. But, I guarantee you, it will start a conversation. That’s what the goal is for me with my art. It’s not to be liked by the masses. It’s really about exposing truths."
The Baltimore-born writer lives in Philadelphia and is active in youth, literary and art programs along the east coast. One of her proudest moments was working with community members in North Philadelphia to create a spoken word mural about addiction recovery.
"I conducted over 30 workshops for the project," she said. "From that, we created poems, which I edited down to go onto the wall. It was fantastic, we were able to express the voices of the community."
She says ongoing protests around the world for racial justice have inspired her work.
"I am on fire, I am empowered, I am excited. I’m writing on a daily basis again. I’m thinking about how I can contribute to the community. It’s been a heavy time as well. This Juneteenth is so special to me. I think we’re acknowledging a new starting point," said Lyrispect.
For aspiring poets, she shared this advice: "Start with a small group of people whom you trust. Ask for feedback. Do you want to remain abstract or move to something more specific? Stay rooted and stay authentic, and do it for yourself first, and for a greater purpose. Art has the power to transform if you come from a true place."
Lyrispect is performing at the African American Museum in Philadelphia's Juneteenth 2020 Virtual Festival. She shared a recent digital performance with PBS39. The piece is called “Somnyama: The Reclamation.” You can watch the video version of this story and Lyrispect's performance in the player below.
Support The Artist: Visit Lyrispect's website and like her Facebook page.